The tree's circumference was 18 feet and it had a branch spread of about 150 feet.

'It just kind of feels like a part of the town is dying with it, ' one resident told CBS a year ago.

"It has been an integral part of the town, that's for sure", Jon Klippel, a member of the church's planning council, told WABC.

Even though the town has known for many months the tree would soon be gone, that doesn't make its coming absence any easier, Malay observed.

Keith Keiling, owner of Keiling Tree Care in Basking Ridge, said he expects the removal of the tree will be finished today, despite predicted rain. Hundreds of people came by throughout the day to say goodbye to the historic tree that has been the centerpiece of the community for centuries.

Despite the tree's condition, some Bernards, New Jersey, residents were stumped as to why it needed to be removed.

French election: what you need to know
A protest leader called on the public through a loudspeaker to rally "against Marine and against Macron". He promised to bring new faces and new talent into French politics.

'The Fate of the Furious' laps new films at box office
It is bombs away at the Friday box office, where four out of five new films are badly struggling, according to early returns. While studios wait for summer season to commence, there are no surprise hits to come of this weekend's releases.

Egypt president in Saudi Arabia to reaffirm ties
Another son and long-time oil policy official, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, was appointed state minister for energy affairs. Saudi Arabia has sacked Information Minister Adel Al-Toraifi and has also replaced its ambassador to the US.

Cards' Wainwright has HR, 4 RBIs in first win of season
The Cardinals are 36-15 in the last 51 meetings in Milwaukee , 53-25 in the last 78 meetings and 7-3 in Lynns last 10 starts vs. He is hitting.120 (3 for 25) with no RBIs in eight games. "We were at a point where we needed relievers", Counsell said.

China's investment along Belt and Road booms
China's work in those countries has only gone up over the last few years, and I think it will go up further", he said. The locations of new ports, railways and roads are inspired by the historic Silk Road.

Texas poised to pass 'sanctuary city' ban with jail penalty
Texas would also be the first state where police officials could face criminal charges for not enforcing immigration law. The judge ruled that only funds related to immigration enforcement can be withheld, according to the Associated Press.